Cornelius Francis “C.F.” Downey, Jr, 75, of Roseville, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 9:25 p.m. He was born November 23, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Cornelius Francis “Bud” and Joy Ilene Downey. He married Nancy Elizabeth Young December 27, 1976, in Des Moines.
C.F. is survived by his wife, Nancy of Roseville, Illinois, son Michael Cornelius (Megan) of Mount Vernon, Iowa, Jennifer Elizabeth (Rob) Montgomery of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; grandchildren, Ashley, Isabellea, Brooke, Kayleigh, Molly and Luke; and 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Christopher Downey, brothers-in-law, James Cox, Robert (Jill) Young, Mark (Penny) Young; and 12 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Joy Downey, sister, Kathryn Cox; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ross & Erma Young.
C.F. graduated from Central Dallas-Minburn High School in May of 1965. He graduated with a math major from Iowa State University and taught high school math at Adel High School for 13 years. He also helped his dad, Bud, on the family farm in rural Dallas County while also serving in the Iowa National Guard.
In 1983, C.F. moved the family to Roseville to join his wife, Nancy’s, family farm, where he farmed with his father-in-law, Ross, and brother-in-law, Mark Young, for nearly 35 years.
C.F. was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Raritan, Illinois, where he served as an usher for many years. He played active roles with the Roseville FFA Alumni Association and Roseville Lions, and he enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s school and sports activities.
Some may remember C.F. or “Connie” for his sense of humor and an art for storytelling during morning coffee at the Roseville Casey’s.
A Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in rural Raritan. A reception will follow at St. Patrick’s Community Center. A private family burial will be held afterward. Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Church or the Roseville Community Fund. Please sign the online guestbook at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com.
